Citizenship via adoptive parent (Citizenship by adoption)Citizenship via adoptive parent (Citizenship by adoption)
Eligibility quiz
Were you adopted by a Ghanaian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Ghanaian passport and ID
Ghanaian citizens can get a Ghanaian passport or travel document.
The Ghana Card proves identity and citizenship and makes it easier to access services, including healthcare, education and banking.
Live in Ghana for life
Ghanaian citizens can enter and live in Ghana without a residence permit for as long as they remain citizens.
Live and work in 12 countries
Study in Ghana
Basic education is free and compulsory, and the state must make educational facilities available to citizens.
Secondary and higher education are to be made increasingly accessible and free over time, as provided by policy and law.
Work in Ghana
Ghanaian citizens can work without a foreign worker's permit.
They have workplace rights, including safe and healthy conditions, equal pay, rest, paid holidays and joining a trade union.
Get help abroad
Ghanaian citizens abroad can receive protection and assistance from Ghana's offices abroad.
Vote in elections
Ghanaian citizens can register and vote from age 18 if they live in the relevant voting area.
They must be of sound mind and not otherwise disqualified.
Use public healthcare
Ghanaian citizens can access public healthcare, including the National Health Insurance Scheme, if they meet the scheme's conditions.
Access social support
Ghanaian citizens can use public support schemes, including pensions and social security, if they meet the scheme's conditions.
These may include conditions about contributions, age, residence or employment.
How to apply
Applying from inside GhanaApplying from inside Ghana
Download the application form
Download Form 1, Notification of Citizenship of an Adopted Child, from the Citizenship Regulations.
Find the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download Ghana's Notification of Citizenship of an Adopted Child Form 1?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents needed for your child's notification.
See required documentsFill in the form
As the Ghanaian adoptive parent, fill in the form, attach your child's photograph and sign or mark your declaration. Your child signs in the space for their usual signature.
Get help filling itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Ghana's Notification of Citizenship of an Adopted Child Form 1?”
Submit your child's notification
Submit the completed form and any required documents to the Minister responsible for the Interior or a person authorised by the Minister; ask how to submit them. There is no fee for Form 1.
Find submission instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Notification of Citizenship of an Adopted Child to Ghana's Ministry of the Interior?”
Wait for the investigation
Wait while the Ghana Immigration Service investigates and reports to the Minister, and respond if you are asked for more information. Your child became Ghanaian on the date of the adoption order.
Find investigation informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I submit a Notification of Citizenship of an Adopted Child in Ghana?”
Complete any required oath
If your child is 16 or older, they take an oath unless an exception applies, and you attend unless excused; a child under 12 does not take it. For ages 12 to 15, ask the Ministry whether an oath is needed; you can then apply for a Ghanaian passport for your child.
Find oath instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does an adopted child take the oath of allegiance for Ghanaian citizenship by adoption?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Your photograph
Provide a photograph of yourself. Attach it in the space on Form 1.
Application form
Form 1 is the notification of citizenship of an adopted child. Your Ghanaian adoptive parent completes and signs it; it includes your usual signature, your birth and former citizenship details, your parents’ birth and nationality details, and the date, court and details of your adoption order. Attach your photograph in the space provided.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Passport rule for dual citizens
If you have another citizenship, you must leave Ghana on the passport you used to enter.
You must not switch passports to deceive officials.
Citizenship can be lost
You can give up citizenship through the required process and must hand over your Ghanaian passport before receiving the certificate.
If you are not Ghanaian by birth, a court can take it away in certain circumstances.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Ghana birth certificate and ghana passport support
English Facebook group for people interested in Ghanaian citizenship
Join on FacebookGhana 🇬🇭 passport and birth certificate support
English Facebook group for people interested in Ghanaian citizenship
Join on FacebookExpatriates in Ghana (Ghana Life)
English Facebook group for people living in Ghana interested in Ghanaian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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